Check out the year’s best New Zealand short films as chosen by this year’s guest selector Jane Campion, from a shortlist drawn up by NZIFF programmers from a total of 91 entries.
New Zealand’s Best 2019
A total of 91 films were submitted for this year’s New Zealand’s Best short film competition. NZIFF programmers Sandra Reid and Michael McDonnell and communications manager Rebecca McMillan viewed them all to draw up a shortlist of 12, from which director Jane Campion selected these six finalists. A jury of three, actor/director Mirrah Foulkes, journalist/broadcaster Mihingarangi Forbes and Madman Entertainment's Andrew Cozens have selected Egg Cup Requiem as the winner of the $5,000 Madman Entertainment Best Short Film Award. The $4,000 Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent Award was awarded to Nancy from Now On. While the $4,000 Auckland Live Spirit of The Civic Award and the Audience Choice Award, consisting of 25 percent of the box office from the main centre NZIFF screenings, was Hinekura. Jane’s comments on each film appear in italics.
Nancy From Now On 2019
A young man has a burning desire to be a drag queen. I liked this film for its light-handed yet authentic expression of alt-sexuality and the unforgettable charm of the lead, Bailey Poching.
Winner of the Creative New Zealand Emerging Talent Award.
Krystal 2018
A young woman is released from jail and goes straight to a party. Distinguishes itself through Briar Grace-Smith’s tenderly emotional eye on a young girl in fright. The world of her brother’s ‘cool’ friends feels credible, fun and alive, but not wise, not kind.
Egg Cup Requiem 2019
A collector reveals the story behind his lifelong obsession. This clever film builds a powerful and unexpected emotion, the likes of which felt new to me. There is not a wrong move in this exquisitely told portrait. It’s a bold, true and quietly brilliant achievement.
Winner of the Madman Entertainment Jury Prize
Golden Boy 2019
A day in the life of a young man with a desire to be noticed. I liked very much that Alex Plumb drew us into mysterious, existential territory, that he trusted the psyche over sense.
Our Father 2019
Two sisters are confronted by a dark history when their estranged father returns. I appreciated the subtle telling of this family drama, especially the standout central performance of the charismatic and conflicted elder sister played by Samara Alofa.
Hinekura 2019
In 1600s Aotearoa a young woman prepares for her destiny by undergoing a sacred ritual. An irresistible tale of female empowerment told in a gloriously enchanted Māori world. It’s a super-heroine story about periods, fantastically alive and unforgettable. Makes me proud to be a woman.
Winner of the Auckland Live Spirt of the Civic Award and the 2019 Audience Choice Award